Every fall, Medicare headlines focus on Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 through December 7, when most people change Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies follow different rules. There is no nationwide “switch your supplement during AEP” right unless your state creates one.
Oregon and Idaho are two states CDA serves where birthday rules give many current Medigap members a limited window to move to a same or lesser standardized plan without medical underwriting. Texas and Washington have their own supplement laws—do not assume Oregon or Idaho timing applies there.
Oregon birthday rule (overview)
Oregon law generally gives eligible Medigap policyholders a window from 30 days before through 30 days after their birthday each year to change to another Medigap plan with equal or lesser benefits, without health questions, when other conditions are met. Carriers and plan letters (Plan G, Plan N, etc.) still matter—this is not a free upgrade to richer coverage.
Idaho birthday rule (overview)
Idaho’s rule typically runs for 63 days beginning on your birthday, allowing a switch to a same-or-lesser Medigap plan without underwriting for qualifying members. Dates and plan eligibility are strict; missing the window usually means underwriting applies if you apply later.
What this is not
- Not a substitute for your Initial Enrollment Period or guaranteed-issue rights when you first join Medicare.
- Not permission to drop Medigap during AEP and expect automatic re-entry without questions later.
- Not identical in Texas (often health questions for new supplement applications) or Washington (different consumer protections—verify with SHIP or state insurance division).
Before you cancel anything
- Confirm you are inside your state’s birthday window and eligible for the plan letter you want.
- Compare premiums and benefits—not every “lesser” plan is cheaper in practice once you count copays.
- Coordinate effective dates so you are not left without supplement coverage between policies.
- Talk with SHIP or a licensed agent if you split time between states or carry retiree coverage too.
Questions about your birthday window?
We help Idaho, Oregon, Texas, and Washington clients compare Medigap options year-round—not only during fall Advantage enrollment.
This article is for general education. It is not a plan recommendation, quote, or guarantee of coverage. Benefits, premiums, networks, and eligibility vary by plan and county and can change. CDA Insurance LLC is an independent insurance agency and is not connected with the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Official program information is available at Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.